Chronic Renal Failure
Alternate Names : CRF, Chronic Kidney Failure
What are the treatments for the disease?
Treatment of CRF includes the following actions:
controlling fluids using diuretics, called water pills, such as
furosemide
controlling high blood pressure using medicines that treat the underlying causes
eating a protein-, potassium-, and phosphorus-restricted diet
hemodialysis, a process in which a machine filters wastes or impurities from the blood
limiting fluids
kidney transplantation,
where a healthy kidney from another person is used to replace a diseased kidney
peritoneal dialysis, a filtering procedure that corrects the balance of electrolytes
in the blood
using bicarbonate to improve acid-base status
using erythropoietin
injections to improve anemia
using phosphate binders, such as calcium carbonate,
to decrease absorption of phosphate
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Most cases of CRF progress to end-stage renal disease. Most people who have
this condition will eventually need dialysis or a kidney transplant to treat the symptoms
of end-stage renal disease.
How is the disease monitored?
A doctor will usually monitor a person for symptoms of complete kidney
failure. Once these symptoms appear, dialysis is a next step. The doctor may
also keep a watch on kidney function with repeated blood samples and 24-hour urine
collection. Be sure to report any new or worsening symptoms to the doctor.
|
Previous section
